Acting as Main Coach in the Women’s Camp
Where all women JUDOKAs in the United States get together
I participated as the Main Coach in the Women’s Camp which took place in Denver, CO from July 14th to 16th and experienced another way of JUDO. A 3 day event where 60 women JUDOKAs got together, a really precious experience. Please read the article as though you were part of this Camp.
Below is the entire schedule. My portion is highlighted in yellow (Yes, there’s a lot!!)
(80% preparation, 20% execution – I did my best in the preparation)
Camp Schedule 2023
1. What is Women’s Camp? (Official Name：Keiko Fukuda Joshi Judo Camp)
This Women’s Camp actually started in 1974 and has a long history. (I wasn’t even born)
Keiko Fukuda, which is the origin of the name, is a JUDOKA who came to the US 60 years ago to promote and popularize JUDO around the world. She was active and travelled around the world even after she turned 80 years old. One of the pioneers in Women’s JUDO in Japan and was often referred to as “The Mother of JUDO”
“Be Strong, Gentle and Beautiful in Mid, Body and Spirit” is the Sensei’s motto and s the main theme of this Camp. I was excited to take part in a JUDO Camp with just women, an event that doesn’t exist in Japan.
２. Denver is full of nature, a wonderful environment for this event
It was my first time to be in the Mile High City. Colorado is known with the Rockies. As expected, the scenery was very beautiful. One of the greatest things in this big nation.
Beautiful mountains seen – the air is so fresh!!
３. It’s Time!!
【On the mat, everyone does it best regardless of age】
60 Women JUDOKAs ranging in ages 6 thru 70 from all around the USA got together.
The youngest of all “the future ladies” aren’t they cute? A round of applause as they completed the entire program!!
Super Ladies, the best smiles!!
In the homeland of JUDO, Japan, an event where all these people (and it’s women only) get together on one mat for 3 days, does not exist. The mission to have everyone smile, is a very serious responsibility!!
(I was actually nervous before the event, but once started, full thrust forward!!)
(1) Warming Up
Most members were meeting for the first time. In order to “break the ice” I stared with an exercise that you need to help each other. I needed to be the happiest and the loudest.
(English? That’s secondary. Communication comes first – and was vocal!!)
Day 1 was at a JUDO club in Denver
I was the only foreigner…
Day 2 and 3 was at a Sports Complex
Once we get to know each other, it’s my game😊
(2) Technique Coaching
Day 1 was mainly standing techniques and went over UCHIMATA, my specialty, including how to perform the WAZA depending on your body physique and characteristics. Day 2 and 3 were focused on Ground Techniques.
My specialty UCHIMATA. My legs went higher when I was competing…
Step by step coaching for kids until “they get it”
She challenged on a turnover.
I was happier than her when she got it.
(3) After coaching
【It’s never too late to Challenge!!】
To see JUDO being loved in such a wide age range outside of Japan, I was touched. Everyone from ages 6 to 70 all fought hard, lively and with fun made me enjoy the event.
“Learning with Fun” is very important for everything. Also always having the positive attitude of “Let’s give it a try” was something that I picked up as well.
NEWAZA: Youngest vs Oldest Beautiful!!
You wanna be No. 1 in the US?
I’m gonna be serious – and won’t lose… yet.
For young kids with a limitless future, Enjoy JUDO.
These smiles are the best gems.
４. After the 3 day event
【Millions of ways to enjoy JUDO (Sports) I learned that too!!】
In this event, my main task was coaching the techniques of JUDO. The other coaches took care of the KATA as well as the Doctrines of Judo. This camp concentrated not just for wins, but included a lot of other elements of JUDO which included acquiring new WAZAs, the fundamentals and physics behind NAGEWAZAs, acquiring Self Protection as sell as the spirit of JUDO itself. You were able to learn the entire JUDO through this event, and with women only, this was done under an environment that everyone had fun. A sensation that I never felt. My camp was always concentrated on being stronger and that only…
I now have confidence that JUDO is a great sport where depending on the occasion, there are many many ways to enjoy it. Unfortunately in Japan, “victory supremacy” is still dominant and may take time before people can start enjoying the sport. Hideki Matsui (former Major League Baseball Player) also says that this victory supremacy is acting negatively to reduce the popularity and the population of its sport.
The event gave me a clue to popularizing the sport. Beginners, Experts, Age, regardless of where they are, expanding the scope of this “lifetime sport” is they key to popularizing this sport. Taking advantages of both US and Japan, I need to focus activities on this aspect placing priority on kids. I am grateful to the experience of this 3 day event.
Lastly, I’d like to share the smiles of the “American Ladies”
Good effort everyone!! I was very nice to meet all of you!! Thank you so much!!!
